A year ago, Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris Olympics, confidently stated that Paris would be “the safest place in the world” when the Games begin this Friday. With the opening ceremony approaching, his prediction seems more plausible as Paris intensifies its security measures. The city is now patrolled by numerous police squads, fighter jets are on standby, and soldiers are ready to deploy. Additionally, substantial metal barriers have been erected along both sides of the River Seine for the event.
The extensive security operation in Paris is partly due to the unique challenges posed by the Olympics this year. The city has experienced several deadly extremist attacks in the past, and ongoing international conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, heighten the risks.
Unlike previous host cities like Rio de Janeiro in 2016 or London in 2012, Paris has opted to stage many of the Olympic events in the city center and surrounding suburbs, rather than constructing a centralized Olympic park. This approach, including the innovative river-based opening ceremony stretching along the Seine, complicates security arrangements.
Concerns extend to cyber threats as well. Rights advocates and critics are apprehensive about the extensive use of AI-driven surveillance technology and the broad scope of security measures. Paris faces the significant task of ensuring the safety of 10,500 athletes and millions of visitors.
Security Overview
The security force for the Games includes up to 45,000 police and gendarmes, supported by an additional 10,000 soldiers. This marks the establishment of the largest military camp in Paris since World War II, enabling rapid deployment to any Olympic venue within 30 minutes.
Since the 2015 terrorist attacks by al-Qaida and ISIS, France has increased the presence of armed patrols in crowded areas. Although these military patrols do not have arrest powers, they can intervene to neutralize threats until police arrive. Initially, the sight of soldiers with assault rifles was unsettling, but now it has become a normalized part of the landscape.
The skies over Paris will be monitored by Rafale fighter jets, AWACS surveillance planes, Reaper drones, and helicopters capable of deploying sharpshooters. A no-fly zone of 150 kilometers (93 miles) will be enforced during the opening ceremony, and AI-powered cameras will be used to detect potential threats such as abandoned items or large crowd movements.
France is also receiving assistance from over 40 countries, providing at least 1,900 additional police officers.
Risks and Concerns
Recent events, such as the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, have heightened concerns about lone-wolf attacks. French officials were notably alarmed that the attacker with an AR-style rifle got close to the former U.S. president.
In the past 13 months, there have been several knife attacks by individuals targeting tourists and others. Additionally, a man who murdered a teacher had been under surveillance for suspected radicalization.
In response, France has developed a robust network of police units, intelligence services, and counter-terrorism experts. Thorough background checks have been conducted on ticket holders, workers, and others associated with the Games, resulting in over 3,900 people being barred from attending due to various security concerns.
Criticism of Security Measures
Critics argue that the extensive surveillance and security measures could infringe on privacy and civil liberties. Groups like Saccage 2024 have criticized the extensive security infrastructure as a “repressive arsenal,” questioning whether the temporary boost in safety justifies the potential long-term implications for residents.
In summary, while Paris is deploying extensive measures to secure the Olympics, concerns persist about the impact on privacy and the potential for a lasting increase in surveillance post-Games.